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Post by Bo Grohl on Mar 10, 2024 21:13:56 GMT
Hello. I bought this today at a pretty cheap price earlier. The guy had bought it second hand, and it's barely been played, probably because it was almost unplayable. The neck is on the verge of requiring a reset- there is no further scope for lowering the saddle or adjusting the truss rod. I will be doing it myself, although I'll have to gouge out the 5 dots to remove the neck. Having said that, the parts are all fine. Cheers, TT  |
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Chuck H.
Serious MM Forum Member
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Post by Chuck H. on Mar 11, 2024 4:16:56 GMT
Nice, never heard of Icarurus before, it a nice looking guitar, have fun!
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Post by bonzo on Mar 13, 2024 15:40:58 GMT
Some more Icarus if anyone is interested.
I've had an Icarus tricone for a few years now, been a nice guitar with no problems at all. I met the guy who sets them up at the time and he worked on a Lightning I had picked up that had been knocked about a bit. Did a good job, I've still got it. This was before I had discovered this forum, that's when my desire for shiny things really took off!
So I thought you might like this, shiny and Icarus. I know twelve string reso's aren't everyone's cup of tea but I like them.
This one was a bit beat up and I bought it with more hope than expectation. However I was pleasantly surprised and with a little work it came up very well and sounds good and LOUD!
Haven't changed strings yet, these look to be addario 10 - 54's as best I can tell. Seemed it had been in open d tuning, I would never go above c. Some advice please, I've ordered some Newtone MM PB's 15- 54's, I think because they tune at a lower tension they should be alright. I know some of you know a lot about comparing tension loads between different brands so any input would be appreciated.
I'm going to try and insert a couple of pictures, I'm always interested in where they turn up!
Best wishes to you all, John was
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Post by bonzo on Mar 13, 2024 15:42:35 GMT
Didn't want to go in main post!   |
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Post by Michael Messer on Mar 13, 2024 15:59:11 GMT
Bonzo, I don't think 15-54 is a well balanced set. I would recommend 13-56 or maybe 15-56. Should be fine in CFCFAC, CGCEGC, DADF#AD, DGDGBD. Or if you are a bit worried about that tension, 12-54s should be fine. Newtone MM "round core" strings tune to pitch at less tension than standard hex core strings, but it is only enough to sweeten the feel of the strings. You can get lighter core ones from Newtone, like the Aloha strings I designed for Weissenborn type instruments, they tune to pitch at even lower tension than MMs.
If the Icarus has been stable for a few years it should be fine. I have never seen one, so I can only guess.
I still think 15-54 is unbalanced. For open tunings 13-54 or 14-54 makes more sense to me.
Shine On
Michael.
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Post by bonzo on Mar 13, 2024 16:22:52 GMT
Thanks for the advice Michael.
Guess I should have asked before ordering! I'll get Neil to send along some 13's, it's just that I thought 15's were the way to go with Duolian type guitars 🎸.
This particular guitar was either a custom order or after sale headstock job. It's 3-5mm at the 12th, decent relief and break angle so I'm hoping a surface clean and string change will do the job.
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Post by Michael Messer on Mar 13, 2024 16:42:30 GMT
John, It might be, but I am edging on the side of caution and to get a balanced set for you.
Shine On
Michael
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Post by bonzo on Mar 13, 2024 16:58:18 GMT
Understood Michael, thanks again for the advice. I've left Neil a message about changes, like you sed, better safe than sorry!
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Chuck H.
Serious MM Forum Member
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Post by Chuck H. on Mar 14, 2024 3:29:23 GMT
That looks awesome, and I bet it sounds awesome too. I love 12 string resonators, they just sound magical to me. I really like the head stock logo, very cool. Where are Icarus from, who is the maker? |
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Chuck H.
Serious MM Forum Member
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Post by Chuck H. on Mar 14, 2024 3:41:42 GMT
OK so I just found some old threads on Icarus guitars, no need to re hash about different makers again here. Just wanted to say I think I like Icarus resos.
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Post by Bo Grohl on Mar 16, 2024 7:52:36 GMT
Well, I had a go a shaving from the heel. This is what I planned, and this is how it ended up. The thing i didn't take into account was the holes in the body wouldn't let me fit it flush. I'll cut a piece of shim to fill the gap. Having said that, it's now set up perfectly otherwise 👌. TT   |
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Post by bonzo on Mar 16, 2024 8:40:01 GMT
Looking good TT. When it's all finished and set up I think you'll find you have a nice guitar 🎸 👍
On my 12 string Icarus I have decided to leave well enough alone. I've got 3 point 5 mm at the 12th fret which is fine for slide. I've decided on MM 12 54 strings, so hopefully things will stay the same 🤞🤞. More pics please.
Best wishes to you all, John
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Post by Bo Grohl on Mar 16, 2024 16:20:59 GMT
Nice, never heard of Icarurus before, it a nice looking guitar, have fun! Lol - edited |
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Chuck H.
Serious MM Forum Member
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Post by Chuck H. on Mar 17, 2024 2:16:12 GMT
That's great your going to get it to play better. Have you done this before? I'm a novice at guitar repair but I'm trying to learn. You said the holes in the body wouldn't let the heel set flush, what holes are you talking about? I'm just trying to understand, I might attempt this someday. Seems like a neck reset on a metal body resonator would be a lot easier than a "regular" guitar since you don't have to steam the neck off.
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Post by Bo Grohl on Mar 17, 2024 15:08:23 GMT
I've done pretty much everything but removing timber from the heel before.
The holes in the body I referred to are for the five screws through the fretboard.
I'm aware this is becoming more of a workbench topic, although my original point really was that the parts are decent quality, but the "set up" was very poor.
TT
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